Primus OmniLite Ti – Titanium Multi Fuel Stove Review

Swedish company Primus recently launched a new lightweight titanium multi-fuel stove called the OmniLite Ti. I’ve been using the OmniLite for over two years now, first in Patagonia then whilst cycling around the world. In my view, it is the best multi-fuel stove on the market. It is smaller and lighter than the competition and also works with gas canisters as is detailed below.

This review – originally written in March 2012 and updated in September 2014 – compares the OmniLite Ti with both the MSR multi-fuel stove range and the standard Primus OmniFuel, with which I’ve had a lot of experience over the years.

(You can check the price of the OmniLite Ti here in the UK and here in America).

I have recently completed what I hope is the most comprehensive review of liquid multi stoves anywhere on the internet. 24 different multi stoves compared reviewed. Take a look.

About the Primus OmniLite Ti

The OmniLite Titanium is a multi-fuel stove which means it can burn a number of different fuel types including the petrol you put in your car, clean white or ‘Coleman’ fuel, and gas canisters.

It is based on the Primus Omnifuel, just smaller and lighter, thanks, in part, to its titanium components.

It consists of a stove unit with three unfolding legs which has a fuel tube running out of it. This either attaches directly to a gas cannister or to a pump which then screws into the fuel bottle provided.

There is also a separate metal heat reflector to wrap around the stove and a windshield to put around your pans.

My Experience with the OmniLite Ti

I used dozens of Primus OmniFuel stoves whilst working for the British Schools Exploring Society. I learned how to use them efficiently, diagnose problems, take them apart (and put them back together again), and train the young people how to operate them safely.

When it came to buying my own stove, I wrote to Rosker (the UK dealer for Primus). They told me about the new titanium model, and sent me a pre-release version.

My wife and I used the stove for four weeks in South America. We were surprised to find gas cartridges available in many towns so relied on them for much of the time and carried a small bottle of petrol for when the cannisters ran out.

OmniLite Titanium vs OmniFuel

The OmniLite is smaller and lighter than the OmniFuel. I didn’t experience any disadvantages from this – it feels just as tough and was more than big enough to steadily support our large pans. I didn’t conduct any timed tests but it boiled water very rapidly.

The OmniFuel is cheaper so if you’re not worried about size or weight then it’s a fantastic stove. Otherwise, the OmniLite is better.

Google lists the OmniFuel at about £125 and the OmniLite at £165-175.

Primus OmniLite vs MSR XGK/Whisperlite/Dragonfly

If you are trying to choose between the different multifuel stoves available, my experience is that they are all fairly similar and all work well.

I have used MSR XGK and MSR Dragonfly stoves on a number of occasions (e.g. in Bolivia, Russia and Japan). My preference has always been for the OmniFuel though. Partly because I know it so well but I also think it’s sturdier and like the fact that it can burn gas. With the OmniLite, I would now add that it is smaller and lighter than any of the MSR options too. The thing I do like about the MSR stoves is the shaker jet which gives an easy cleaning option and the fact that they are cheaper.

(See how the OmniLite stacks up against 23 other multi-fuel stoves here)

The OmniLite is the most expensive stove but also one of the lightest.

Primus OmniLite with Eta Pans

Primus make a range of pans with heat exchangers (sinks) on their base to improve the transfer of heat from stove to pot. They are called Eta. The OmniLite has been designed to work particularly well with these specific pans, in theory using less fuel and cooking faster.

I just had a normal set of pans which worked fine.

(UPDATE SEPT 2014: I’ve now been using the Primus Eta Pots for a year. Read my review here).

Primus OmniLite Ti: In Summary

The OmniLite seems like an excellent stove. Prior to using it, the Primus OmniFuel was my favourite but this one is smaller and lighter without any setbacks so takes the mantle. The only downside to it is the cost, about £157, which is notably more than the alternatives. But, if you have the money, then this seems to be the best multifuel stove available.

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About the author

Tim Moss has supported over 100 expeditions across all seven continents. He has climbed new mountains, crossed a desert on foot and recently cycled 13,000 miles around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society London and a Guinness World Record Holder. He aims to encourage more people to live adventurously. Read more...